Penn Yan Swift CZT

The Penn Yan SWIFT is one of the most desirable, fast, and fun-to-drive runabouts still available, although there aren't many left. Although it's a clich, these are truly the "sports cars" of the water. This particular model was actually designed as a racing runabout for running in the APBA's "C utility" class with a 30 cubic inch engine. If I were going to keep it I'd either put on a vintage Mercury Mark 20, 25 or 30, or a much newer Merc 25. Also, if you want read speed at a low price, consider a 20 cubic inch Yamato 80,a motor used in APBA stock outboard racing today and readily available. This SWIFT is ready for restoration and needs the following work:

1. Ribs: Some of the ribs fromunder the front deck to just under the center deck have rotten sections. The upper parts are fine but the bilgeareas arebad.But most of the ribs are fine. Arestorer could sister in new pieces or just replace them. White oak is recommended for these.

2. Gunwales/Trim: About half of the port gunwale and a few feet of the starboard gunwale need replacing, also with white oak. Some of the center deck trim needs repair/replacement too.

3. Decks: The decks are pretty good but a bit loose due to the gunwale issue (see #2). New gunwales should tighten them up just fine

4. Keel: Part of the keel is missing so if I were doing it I'd replace the whole thing.

Some of the good things are:

1. Canvas: Although you may want to recover the boat if you are going to do a full restoration, the existing canvas is pretty good

2. Transom: Solid

3. Steering wheel, cables, pulleys, and clamps: all original and in good shape

4. Front seat back: This factory option makes it comfortable for a passenger to sit in the front seat.

I bought this SWIFT last spring with the idea of restoring it. I have been told by several restorers that the work required is not especially difficult but you have to have patience and a lot of desire. At this point, unfortunately, I have neither. I thought about having a pro do the work I was not comfortable doing and doing the rest myself. That might be an idea for someone like me whose dreams are bigger than his skill level. Or, tackle it yourself, take your time, learn as you go, talk to the experts, go to the Penn Yan web site (pennyanboats.com), and work on it over the winter. Or, if you have experience already, do the restoration and dramatically increase the value of the boat.

BONUS: I have an original 1955 Penn Yan catalog and a set of Penn Yan Swift decals that I'll include. I have photo graphed a few of the pages of the catalog for additional information.

SHIPPING: I can deliver up to 250 miles for $1.00 per loaded mile or help you find a shipper or you drive down to sunny Wilmington, NC and pick it up